EMERGENCY services have been dealing with a major incident on London Road, Purfleet.

It happened just before 3.30pm when an HGV left the road and struck houses. It was just before the turn into Vellacott Close when the vehicle was travelling west.

No other vehicles were involved.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Due to the nature of this incident, we expect to be on the scene for some time making the area safe alongside police and ambulance colleagues.

"Please avoid the area and take an alternative route if you are travelling nearby - the road is likely to be closed for some time.

After making the scene safe, firefighters left the scene at 5.20pm.

Further updates will be posted here as they become available.